The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched efforts to prevent Rwanda from assuming the leadership of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC).
On Saturday, June 7, a summit of heads of state from CEEAC member countries began in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The meeting is attended by representatives from Angola, Congo-Brazzaville, DRC, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi, and São Tomé & Príncipe.
One of the key agenda items is the transfer of leadership from Equatorial Guinea to Rwanda, which is next in line to chair the organization.
However, Jeune Afrique reports that Kinshasa strongly opposes Rwanda’s assumption of the CEEAC presidency due to the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
According to the publication, during a meeting of foreign affairs ministers held on Thursday in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Regional Integration, Lucas Abaga Nchama, brought together the Rwandan and DRC delegations to discuss the persistent strained relations.
Due to these diplomatic issues, the DRC has reportedly tried to block Rwanda’s leadership bid, even to the point where Rwanda has threatened to withdraw from the bloc if it is denied the presidency.
Kinshasa has likewise warned that if Rwanda takes over the CEEAC chairmanship, DRC may also consider pulling out of the community.
This is not the first time Rwanda and DRC have clashed within CEEAC.
Jeune Afrique recalls that two years ago, President Paul Kagame wrote to then-African Union Chair, President Azali Assoumani of Comoros, expressing Rwanda’s discontent over being excluded from the 22nd Ordinary CEEAC Summit, held on February 25, 2023, in Kinshasa.
That decision stemmed from directives issued by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who was chairing CEEAC at the time.
